Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy, which is also known as spastic paralysis, is a term used to describe conditions where there are disorders of movement or posture occuring shortly after birth. The problems usually result from damage to the child's brain during the later months of pregnancy, during the birth process, or in very early childhood. The exact cause of such injuries has not yet been ascertained.

Babies with cerebral palsy feel `floppy' and often have feeding problems. They may have a paralysis of one side of the body or both legs, and in fact the more severe the paralysis, the more likely there is to be some mental retardation.

The condition affects about 1 in every 500 children. Some children suffer only the slightest disability whereas others can be totally disabled.

Although it is a condition that is usually present at birth, it is obvious by the age of six months. Although it does become more obvious as the child grows, it does not in fact get any worse as the child matures.

The degree of disability is very variable, with some children having marked stiffness and contractures of muscle groups, whilst others have total loss of co-ordination and balance. Other children will develop `athetosis' which is marked involuntary writhing movements of affected muscle groups.

Most have some difficulty in walking, and commonly the legs are presssed so tightly together, to produce the characteristic `scissors gait'.

Although more children with cerebral palsy have lower IQs than the general population, some will have average or above average intelligence. In fact, with personal encouragement from family and teachers exceptional successes have been achieved.

About half of those whose intelligence is affected develop speech difficulties, and about 25% of cerebral palsy children develop seizures or `fits'.

Yet despite all these problems, many cerebral palsy sufferers do live enjoyable and fulfilling lives!
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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